Phenylacetic Acid (Synonyms: NSC 125718, Phenylethanoic acid, α-Toluic acid)

Phenylacetic acid is an organic compound containing a phenyl functional group and a carboxylic acid functional group. It is a white solid with a disagreeable odor.

The survival rate of HL60 cells was decreased, the secretion of PDGF-β was decreased,HL60 cells were blocked in G0/G1 phase, the level of Bcl-2 protein was decreased, and the level of Bax protein was increased after Phenylacetic Acid treatment at different concentrations^[4]. Phenylacetic acid inhibited the proliferation of CNE-2 cells to some extent.Flow cytometry showed that cell apoptosis occurred after treatment, the increase of G0-G1 phase cells and the decrease of phenylacetic acid in S phase cells inhibited the growth of CNE-2 cells in a dose and time dependent manner.The cell block in G1 phase can significantly reduce the S phase^[1]. Phenylacetic Acid inhibited the proliferation of SMMC-7721 cells in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner^[2]. Phenylacetic Acid can inhibit cell proliferation cycle in G1 phase, reduce DNA synthesis and inhibit cell proliferation. The mechanism of action is that Phenylacetic Acid inhibits the functional expression of certain effector protein RNA in G1 phase of BXPC-3 cell cycle^[5]. Phenylacetic acid inhibited the growth of A549 cells, which might be realized by inhibiting the cell cycle in G1/G0 phase and inducing apoptosis^[7].

Phenylacetic Acid can inhibit the growth of salivary gland tumors by inhibiting ERK/MAPK pathway and reduce cell proliferation, which is expected to be used in drug therapy of salivary gland tumors^[3]. In vivo Phenylacetic Acid can inhibit tumor growth and induce apoptosis of glioma C6 cells^[6].

References:
[1]. Zhao Jin,and Chen Liangxin." Effects of sodium phenylacetic acid on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells CNE-2." Guangzhou Chemical Industry 43.24(2015):117-118+123.
[2]. Wang Y. Inhibitory effect of phenylacetic acid on the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells SMMC-7721 and its correlation with the expression of ADAR1 [D]. Jilin University,2013.
[3]. Shang Wenjun, et al." Effects of sodium phenylacetate, an ERK pathway inhibitor, on salivate gland tumors in transgenic mice." Chinese Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 11.05(2013):359-364.
[4]. Yang Li, et al." Sodium phenylacetic acid induces apoptosis of human leukemia cell HL60 and its mechanism." Shandong Medical Journal 50.40(2010):60-61.
[5]. Wang Y, et al." Inhibitory effect of phenylacetic acid on DNA synthesis in pancreatic cancer cells." Journal of Jilin University (Med) 37.05(2011):808-811+971. doi:10.13481/j.1671-587x.2011.05.056.
[6]. Yang Chao-hua, et al." Effects of phenylacetic acid on apoptosis of glioma C6 cells in rats." Western Medicine 21.11(2009):1841-1843.
[7]. Zhang Li, Li QQ, et al." Effects of sodium phenylacetic acid on the growth of A549 lung cancer cells." Journal of Wuhan University (Med Edition).02(2006):249-252.